On 20th June 2025, we successfully organised a webinar titled "Plastic Pollution, Environment, and Sustainability in the Global South: A Cross-Border Legal Conversation," commemorating World Environment Day 2025. The event brought together scholars from Bangladesh, the UK, and Germany to discuss the legal and environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.
We were honored to have Professor Dr. Gitanjali Nain Gill, Professor of Environmental Law at Northumbria University, UK; Professor Dr. Kirk W. Junker, Vice Rector for Sustainability at the Faculty of Law, University of Cologne, Germany; and Dr. Masrur Salekin, Adviser on Environment and Sustainability, Bangladesh Society of International Law and Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Bangladesh Judicial Service.
Dr. Salekin opened the panel discussion by addressing the scope of plastic pollution in Bangladesh and beyond, highlighting its devastating environmental effects. He reflected on the key challenges in tackling this crisis, including the inadequacies of our environmental courts and critical legal gaps that require urgent attention.
Professor Gitanjali Gill presented landmark case laws from various jurisdictions where plastic bans have been enforced to protect the environment. She emphasised that adopting conscious lifestyle changes can significantly complement legal reforms in addressing plastic pollution.
Finally, Professor Junker argued that merely raising public awareness is insufficient to combat this issue effectively. He advocated for stricter bans and discussed the complexities between producer and receiver states, highlighting where existing EU laws fall short in managing plastic waste.
The event was moderated by Mr. Fahim Abrar Abid, Founder of the Bangladesh Society of International Law.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all our panellists and participants for contributing to a discussion that was both insightful and thought-provoking. Your engagement has greatly enriched our collective understanding.
Stay tuned for more impactful dialogues on international law issues.
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